FOOD IS MEDICINE COORDINATOR

Salina Regional Health Center

FOOD IS MEDICINE COORDINATOR

POSITION SUMMARY
The Food Is Medicine Coordinator is a Community Health Worker (CHW) and member of the Memorial Health System care team who coordinates the Accountable Food Is Medicine (AFIM) component of the Nourish & Navigation program. This position supports patients with nutrition-related health needs and chronic conditions by assisting with program enrollment, screening, medically tailored meal coordination, health coaching, resource navigation, follow-up, and outcome tracking. The Coordinator collaborates with primary care providers, the Community Resource Navigator, Food and Nutrition Services, Registered Dietitian, and other clinical and community partners to incorporate nutrition support into the patient’s overall plan of care.

POPULATION SERVED: Adolescent, Adult, Geriatric
OSHA CATEGORY III

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

QUALITY
Screens and assesses patients for food insecurity and health-related social needs; determines eligibility and completes enrollment and required documentation while maintaining confidentiality.
Coordinates with Registered Dietitians, providers, and interdisciplinary care teams to ensure interventions align with clinical and nutrition standards.
Provides approved health education, coaching, motivational interviewing, and reinforcement of individualized treatment and nutrition plans.
Maintains ongoing patient follow-up, assesses barriers to participation and adherence, and communicates concerns to the clinical care team.
Accurately documents patient activities, participation, outcomes, and required program data while supporting quality improvement and program evaluation.

ACCESS
Receives and processes referrals and clearly communicates program services, expectations, and participation requirements to eligible patients.
Coordinates medically tailored meal services, including ordering, scheduling, packaging, distribution, pickup, and participant engagement.
Connects patients with food assistance, transportation, social services, and other community resources while providing practical strategies for managing nutrition-sensitive chronic conditions and following up to confirm successful access.

STEWARDSHIP
Supports efficient day-to-day AFIM operations by maintaining accurate enrollment, participation, referral, billing, and reimbursement records.
Contributes to program development and sustainability beyond initial grant period through workflow improvement, data monitoring, community partnerships, required training, and identification of opportunities to sustain and expand Nourish & Navigation.

ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES

PATIENT CENTERED
Keeps the welfare of the patient at the center of all decisions and actions by maintaining a customer-centered focus at all times.
Advocates for patients and their families by practicing behaviors that create a culture of patient focused activity.

QUALITY
Expects excellence of self and others.
Questions the status quo; uses creativity and innovation to engage in performance and process improvement.
Identifies and mitigates risk.

INTEGRITY
Is honest and ethical in all matters.
Demonstrates teamwork/cooperation within and across departments, understanding others perspectives and resolving conflict constructively.

TRUST
Safeguards the privacy, security, and confidentiality of protected health information at all times.
Treats all people with dignity; supports diversity; and understands related issues.
Is flexible and adaptable to change; demonstrates a positive and supportive attitude; and willingly accepts change.

SUSTAINABILITY
Holds self and others accountable in the use of SRHC supplies, and completion of tasks in a timely, efficient, and productive manner.
Volunteers for or accepts new or additional duties/responsibilities for the greater good of the department, organization, and/or patient.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM EDUCATION
Successful completion of a Kansas Community Health Wroker Core Competency Training through a Kansas Community Health Worker Coalition-approved educational provider within 12 months of hire.
Completion of Accountable Food Is Medicine training within 12 months of hire.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE
None

REQUIRED REGISTRATION/LICENSE/CERTIFICATION
Valid Driver's License

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Lifts, positions, pushes and/or transfers up to 20 pounds
Prolonged, extensive or considerable standing/walking
Occasional reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching
Manual dexterity and mobility
Near acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less

WORKING CONDITIONS
Subject to varying and unpredictable situations
Subject to many interruptions; pressure due to multiple calls, inquires, and/or deadlines
Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends)
Occasional travel required

EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In signing the job description, I attest that I will adhere to Salina Regional Health Center’s policies, procedures, and regulatory standards, including but not limited to complying fully with the Corporate Compliance Program and Code of Ethical Conduct; and participating actively in the Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement Plan, including identifying and mitigating risk to patients.

I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and accept the qualifications, responsibilities, and performance expectations outlined in the job description.  I recognize that these duties form the basis for my performance evaluations, and that management reserves the right to assign additional tasks or change existing essential job functions as operational needs dictate.  I confirm that I am able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.